Assisting people in need is one of the prominent lessons of the Gospel and a core principle of Catholic social teaching.

Teaching from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB):

“Fighting Poverty to Build Peace”: Pope Benedict’s Challenge to the World
Bishop Howard J. Hubbard, America Magazine

Full text of “Called to Global Solidarity”

Excerpt from “Called to Global Solidarity“ on Theological Foundations of Global Solidarity

Full text of “A Place at the Table”

Excerpt from “A Place at the Table” on our Catholic Social Tradition and Poverty

“Making a Place at the Table” brochure, in English and Spanish

Other Letters and Statements from USCCB

Teaching from the Vatican

2009 World Day of Peace Message: “Fighting Poverty to Build Peace”
Pope Benedict XVI

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church

Chapter 9, Section 4, on international cooperation for development and to fight poverty

Chapter 4, Section 3, Part c, on the preferential option for the poor

Chapter 4, Section 6, on solidarity

Chapter 7, Section 1, on poverty and wealth

Chapter 7, Section 5, part a, on globalization and poverty

Chapter 10, Section 4, part c, on poverty and the environment

Chapter 11, Section 2, on peace and development

The Catechism of the Catholic Church

Part 3, Section 1, Chapter 2, Article 3 (paragraphs 1928-48) on the human person, equality, and solidarity

Part 3, Section 2, Chapter 2, Article 7 (paragraphs 2437-42) on justice and solidarity among nations

Part 3, Section 2, Chapter 2, Article 7 (paragraphs 2443-49) on love for the poor

Populorum Progressio (On the Development of Peoples), by Pope Paul VI*

Solicitudo Rei Socialis  (On Social Concern), by Pope John Paul II, 1987*

* These items are listed in order to provide a starting point for exploration of Church teaching on global poverty and development. This is not  intended to be an exclusive list. Many other documents include important  messages about a wide range of topics related to economic life. Please visit the USCCB website for more helpful documents and statements.